Estate Planning Glossary

A TrustThe surviving spouse’s portion of an A-B trust. Also called marital trust or survivor’s trust.

A-B TrustA trust that includes a tax-planning provision that lets you provide for your surviving spouse and keep control over who will receive your assets after your spouse dies. It also lets both spouses use their federal estate tax exemptions. This can save a substantial amount in estate taxes and leave more money for your beneficiaries. For example, in 2012, when the federal estate tax exemption is $5 million, an A-B trust will let a married couple transfer up to $10 million to their beneficiaries estate tax- free, saving up to $1,750,000 in estate taxes.

AdministrationThe court-supervised distribution of an estate during probate. Also used to describe the same process for a trust after the grantor dies.

AdministratorPerson named by the court to represent a probate estate when there is no will or the will did not name an executor. Female is administratrix. Also called personal representative.

Alternate BeneficiaryPerson or organization named to receive your assets if the primary beneficiaries named in your Trust die before you do.

Ancillary AdministrationAn additional probate in another state. Typically required when you own real estate in another state that is not titled in the name of your trust.

Annual ExclusionAmount you can give someone each year without having to file a gift tax return or pay a gift tax. Currently $13,000 per recipient ($26,000 if married). The amount of tax-free gifts is tied to inflation and may increase from time to time.

AssetsBasically, anything you own, including your home and other real estate, bank accounts, life insurance, investments, furniture, jewelry, art, clothing, and collectibles.

AssignmentA short document that transfers your interest in assets from your name to another. Often used when transferring assets to a trust.

Certificate of TrustA shortened version of a trust that verifies the trust’s existence, explains the powers given to the trustee, and identifies the successor trustee(s). Does not reveal any information about the trust assets, beneficiaries, or their inheritances.

Children’s TrustA trust included in your living trust. If, when you die, a beneficiary is not of legal age, the child’s inheritance will go into this trust. The inheritance will be managed by the trustee you have named until the child reaches the age at which you want him/her to inherit.

CodicilA written change or amendment to a Will.

Co-GrantorsTwo or more persons who establish one living trust together.

Co-TrusteesTwo or more individuals who have been named to act together in managing a trust’s assets. A corporate trustee can also be a co-trustee.

Common TrustOne living trust established by two or more individuals (usually a married couple).

Community PropertyAssets a husband and wife acquire by joint effort during marriage if they live in one of the eight community property states. (Wisconsin also has a similar law, but does not use the term "community property.") Each spouse owns half of the assets in the event of divorce or death.

ConservatorOne who is legally responsible for the care and well-being of another person. If appointed by a court, the conservator is under the court’s supervision. May also be called a guardian. (Duties and titles can vary by state. For example, in Missouri, there is a guardian of the person and a conservator of the estate.)

ConservatorshipA court-controlled program for persons who are unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity. May also be called a guardianship.

DeedA document that lets you transfer title of your real estate to another person(s). Also see warranty deed and quitclaim deed.

DisclaimTo refuse to accept a gift or inheritance so it can go to the recipient who is next in line.

DiscretionThe full or partial power to make a decision or judgment.

DisinheritTo prevent someone from inheriting from you.

DistributionPayment in cash or asset(s) to one who is entitled to receive it.

Durable Power of Attorney for Asset ManagementA legal document that gives another person full or limited legal authority to sign your name on your behalf in your absence. Valid through incapacity. Ends at death.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health CareA legal document that lets you give someone else the authority to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself. Also called a health care proxy or medical power of attorney.

Federal Estate Tax ExemptionAmount of an individual's estate that is exempt from federal estate taxes. In 2012, the exemption is $5,120,000. If Congress does not act by the end of 2012, on January 1, 2013 the exemption will be $1 million.

FiduciaryPerson having the legal duty to act primarily for another’s benefit. Implies great confidence and trust, and a high degree of good faith. Usually associated with a trustee.

GainThe difference between what you receive for an asset when it is sold and what you paid for it. Used to determine the amount of capital gains tax due.

Generation Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)A steep tax on assets that "skip" a generation and are left directly to grandchildren and younger generations. In 2012, the GST exemption is the same as the federal estate tax exemption (double for a married couple) with a tax rate of 35%. If Congress does not act before the end of 2012, on January 1, 2013 the GST exemption will be $1 million with a top tax rate of 55%.

GiftA transfer from one individual to another without fair compensation.

Gift TaxA federal tax on gifts made while you are living. Currently $13,000 per person per year is exempt from gift tax. Also see "Annual Exclusion."

GrantorThe person who sets up or creates the trust. The person whose trust it is. Also called creator, settlor, trustor, donor or trustmaker.

Joint OwnershipA form of ownership in which two or more persons own the same asset together. Types of joint ownership include joint tenants with right of survivorship, tenants in common, and tenants by the entirety.

Joint Tenants with Right of SurvivorshipA form of joint ownership in which the deceased owner’s share automatically and immediately transfers to the surviving joint tenant(s).

Land TrustOften used for privacy. Title is transferred to a corporate trustee or corporation, but you keep control over how the property is managed. Because the title is in the name of the corporate trustee or corporation, no one knows the property belongs to you. In all financial transactions and dealings, your personal name never comes up. Also called a title holding trust.

Liquid AssetsCash and other assets (like stocks) that can easily be converted into cash.

"Living Probate"The court-supervised process of managing the assets of one who is incapacitated.

Living TrustA written legal document that creates an entity to which you transfer ownership of your assets. Contains your instructions for managing your assets during your lifetime and for their distribution upon your incapacity or death. Avoids probate at death and court control of assets at incapacity. Also called a revocable inter vivos trust. A trust created during one’s lifetime.

Living WillA written document that states you do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means when the illness or injury is terminal.

Marital DeductionA deduction on the federal estate tax return that lets the first spouse to die leave an unlimited amount of assets to the surviving spouse free of estate taxes. However, if no other tax planning is used, and the surviving spouse’s estate is more than the amount of the federal estate tax exemption in effect at the time of his/her death, estate taxes will be due at that time.

Marital TrustSee "A Trust."

MedicaidA federally-funded health care program for the poor and minor children.

MedicareA federally-funded health care program, primarily for Americans over age 65 who are covered by Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.

MinorOne who is under the legal age for an adult, which varies by state (usually age 18 or 21).

Probate EstateThe assets that go through probate after you die. Usually these include assets you own in your name and those paid to your estate. Usually does not include assets owned jointly, payable-on-death accounts, insurance and other assets with beneficiary designations. Assets in a trust also do not go through probate.

Probate FeesLegal, executor, and appraisal fees and court costs when an estate goes through probate. Probate fees are paid from assets in the estate before the assets are fully distributed to the heirs.

Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT)Allows a non-citizen spouse to qualify for the marital deduction.

Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP)A trust that delays estate taxes until your surviving spouse dies so more income will be available to provide for your spouse during his/her lifetime. You can also keep control over who will receive these assets after your spouse dies.

Quitclaim DeedDocument that allows you to transfer title to real estate. With a quitclaim deed, the person transferring the title makes no guarantees, but transfers all his/her interest in the property.

Real PropertyLand and property that is permanently attached to land (like a building or a house).

Recorded DeedA deed that has been filed with the county land records. This creates a public record of all changes in ownership of property in the state.

Revocable TrustA trust in which the person setting it up retains the power to change (revoke) or cancel the trust during his/her lifetime. Opposite of irrevocable trust.

Required Beginning Date (RBD)The date you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your tax-deferred plans. Usually, it is April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you turn age 70 1/2. If your money is in a company-sponsored plan, you may be able to delay your RBD beyond this date if you continue working (providing you are not a 5% or greater owner of the company).

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)The amount you are required to withdraw each year from your tax-deferred plan after you reach your Required Beginning Date. This amount is determined by dividing the year-end value of your tax-deferred account by a life expectancy divisor found on a chart provided by the IRS.

Separate PropertyGenerally, all assets you acquire prior to marriage and assets acquired by gift or inheritance during marriage.

Separate TrustA trust established by one person. A married couple has separate trusts if each spouse has his/her own trust with its own assets. In contrast, see "Common Trust."

Settle an EstateThe process of handling the final affairs (valuation of assets, payment of debts and taxes, distribution of assets to Beneficiaries) after someone dies.

SettlorSee "Grantor."

Special GiftsA separate listing of special assets that will go to specific individuals or organizations after your incapacity or death. Also called special bequests.

Special Needs TrustAllows you to provide for a disabled loved one without interfering with government benefits.

Spendthrift ClauseProtects assets in a trust from a beneficiary’s creditors.

SpouseHusband or wife.

Stepped-up BasisAssets are given a new basis when transferred by inheritance (through a will or trust) and are re-valued as of the date of the owner’s death. If an asset has appreciated above its basis (what the owner paid for it), the new basis is called a stepped-up basis. A stepped-up basis can save a considerable amount in capital gains tax when an asset is later sold by the new owner. Also see "Basis."

Subchapter S Corporation StockStock in a corporation which has chosen to be subject to the rules of subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.

Surviving SpouseThe spouse who is living after one spouse has died.

Survivor’s TrustSee "A Trust."

Successor TrusteePerson or institution named in the trust document who will take over should the first trustee die, resign, or otherwise become unable to act.

Tax-Deferred PlanA retirement savings plan (like an IRA, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, or Keogh) that qualifies for special income tax treatment. The contributions made to the plan and subsequent appreciation of the assets are not taxed until they are withdrawn at a later time -- ideally, at retirement, when your income and tax rate are lower.

Taxable GiftGenerally, a gift of more than $13,000 in one year to someone other than your spouse. The value of the taxable gift is applied to your federal gift tax exemption. After you have used up your exemption, additional gifts will be taxed, usually at the highest estate tax rate in effect. In 2012, the gift tax exemption is the same as the federal estate tax exemption (double for married couples) and the tax rate is 35%. If Congress does not act before the end of 2012, on January 1, 2013 the exemption will be $1 million and the tax rate will be 55%.

Tenants-in-CommonA form of joint ownership in which two or more persons own the same property. At the death of a tenant-in-common, his/her share transfers to his/her heirs.

Tenants-by-the EntiretyA form of joint ownership in some states between husband and wife. When one spouse dies, his/her share of the asset automatically transfers to the surviving spouse.

Testamentary TrustA trust in a will. Can only go into effect at death. Does not avoid probate.

TestateOne who dies with a valid will.

TitleDocument proving ownership of an asset.

Transfer TaxTax on assets when they are transferred to another. The estate tax, gift tax and generation skipping transfer tax are all transfer taxes.

TrustAn entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain other persons or entities.

Trust CompanyAn institution that specializes in managing trusts. Also called a corporate trustee.

TrusteePerson or institution who manages and distributes another’s assets according to the instructions in the trust document.

TrustorSee "Grantor."

Totten TrustA "pay-on-death" account. A bank account that will transfer to the beneficiary who was named when the account was established. The terms "transfer on death" ("TOD"), "in trust for" ("ITF"), "as trustee for" ("ATF"), and "pay on death" ("POD") often appear in the title.

Unified CreditThe amount each person is allowed to deduct from federal estate taxes owed after death. In 2012, the credit is $1,772,800. This is the amount of estate taxes that would be due on $5,120,000 in net assets. After applying this credit, the result is that $5,120,000 is "exempt" from estate taxes in 2012.

Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA)Law enacted in many states that lets you leave assets to a minor by appointing a custodian. In most states, the minor receives the assets at legal age.

UnfundedYour living trust is unfunded if you have not transferred assets into it.

Warranty DeedDocument that allows you to transfer title to real estate. With a warranty deed, the person guarantees that the title being transferred is clear (free of any encumbrances). If the title is defective, the person making the transfer is liable. Compare to quitclaim deed.

WillA written document with instructions for disposing of assets after death. A will can only be enforced through the probate court.